In a stark warning issued on Thursday, the United Nations declared a "gender emergency" for women and girls in Sudan, particularly spotlighting the severe conditions in the besieged capital, El Fasher. The city faces critical challenges, including starvation, rampant violence, and a devastating cholera outbreak, disproportionately affecting its female population.

Salvator Nkurunziza, a UN Women Representative in Sudan, expressed deep concern over the heightened vulnerability of women and girls in these harsh conditions. They face increased risks of abuse and exploitation, particularly when aid is distributed in areas lacking robust protection mechanisms. The pervasive fear of violence is so acute that many are deterred from even seeking necessary aid and food assistance.

Further exacerbating the crisis, the Unit for Combating Violence Against Women in Sudan reported alarming statistics, revealing 1,138 cases of rape recorded since April 2023, including 193 children, predominantly in conflict-affected areas. Nkurunziza noted that these figures likely fall short of the actual situation due to underreporting, driven by stigma and other obstructive factors.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, UN Women shed light on the acute food insecurity gripping Sudan, describing it as "profoundly gendered." They pointed out that 75% of female-headed households are experiencing food insecurity, underscoring the particularly dire impact on women and girls, who are often the primary sufferers in food crises.

The ongoing civil war, which erupted in 2023 between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), has severely worsened the humanitarian situation. The conflict has led to increased displacement, starvation, and violence. El Fasher has been under siege, with road blockades severely hindering the delivery of much-needed aid and food supplies. Meanwhile, a choleral outbreak that began in August 2024 has resulted in over 50,000 confirmed cases and at least 1,350 deaths.

In response to these overwhelming challenges, the UN has called for targeted support focusing on the most vulnerable groups. They urged the prioritization of female-headed households and at-risk groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and adolescent girls, in the distribution of food assistance. They also advocated for funding women-led food support initiatives, integrating food assistance with protection and recovery programs, and closely tracking gender outcomes to better address the specific needs of women and girls in the crisis.

As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, these measures are seen as critical steps in mitigating the impact of the crisis on its most vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls, who face the gravest risks and bear the heaviest burdens.